partnering with community organisations - Department of Families ...
partnering with community organisations - Department of Families ...
partnering with community organisations - Department of Families ...
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Section Two: Creating a successful partnership<br />
It is a good idea to formally recognise the partnership<br />
through a Memorandum <strong>of</strong> Understanding (MoU) or<br />
other signed letter <strong>of</strong> agreement. An MoU is not legally<br />
binding but it will help clarify shared understandings, aims,<br />
partnership activities, responsibilities and so on.<br />
A sample partnership agreement is available<br />
in Tool 4: Memorandum <strong>of</strong> Understanding (MoU)<br />
– A Partnership Agreement.<br />
At the end <strong>of</strong> this step you should have<br />
agreed on and established:<br />
>> a shared, clear vision that defines the purpose and aims<br />
<strong>of</strong> the partnership;<br />
>> the roles and responsibilities <strong>of</strong> each partner;<br />
>> the appropriate level <strong>of</strong> support from each partner and<br />
the commitment required from each partner;<br />
>> the resources that each partner has available and will<br />
commit to the partnership;<br />
>> clear tasks <strong>with</strong> timelines;<br />
>> a plan for monitoring and evaluating; and<br />
>> your exit strategy.<br />
Now stop and review your capacity to deliver!<br />
Launching an activity or event to publicise the partnership<br />
is a good way to get your initiative <strong>of</strong>f the ground.<br />
A useful resource to help you and your <strong>community</strong> partner<br />
develop a publicity plan and promote your partnership is<br />
the Promoting Positive Partnerships online tool, available<br />
at www.mediateam.com.au. This website has other useful<br />
online tools for generating and managing communication<br />
and media coverage.<br />
Success Ingredient<br />
>> Mutually beneficial outcomes are evident<br />
– is it a win-win?<br />
2.5 Step Five: Implementing the<br />
partnership program<br />
Congratulations! You are ready to implement your program.<br />
Release the funds, release the human power and enjoy<br />
the journey. However, remember that you are dealing<br />
<strong>with</strong> people and most likely some difficult social and/or<br />
environmental issues; so anticipate some surprises along<br />
the way but do not lose focus <strong>of</strong> your partnership aims and<br />
what you hope to achieve.<br />
Success Ingredients<br />
>> Flexibility and openness to new possibilities as they<br />
occur. Can the partnership cope <strong>with</strong> changes in the<br />
external environment such as financial instability or<br />
changes in <strong>community</strong> need or priority?<br />
>> Keep focused on joint aims and achievements.<br />
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